What is a potassium blood test? A potassium blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals in your body that help control muscle and nerve activity, maintain fluid levels, and perform other important functions. Your body needs potassium to help your heart and muscles work […]
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What is a postpartum depression screening? It’s normal to have mixed emotions after having a baby. Along with excitement and joy, many new mothers feel anxious, sad, irritable, and overwhelmed. This is known as the “baby blues.” It’s a common condition, affecting up to 80 percent of new mothers. Symptoms of the baby blues usually
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What are porphyrin tests? Porphyrin tests measure the level of porphyrins in your blood, urine, or stool. Porphyrins are chemicals that help make hemoglobin, a type of protein in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. It’s normal to have a small amount of porphyrins in
What is a whooping cough test? Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that causes severe fits of coughing and trouble breathing. People with whooping cough sometimes make a “whooping” sound as they try to take a breath. Whooping cough is very contagious. It is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. You can get
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What is a white blood cell (WBC) in stool test? This test looks for white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, in your stool. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. If you have leukocytes in your stool, it can be a sign of a bacterial
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What is a vitamin E (tocopherol) test? A vitamin E test measures the amount of vitamin E in your blood. Vitamin E (also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol) is a nutrient that is important for many body processes. It helps your nerves and muscles work well, prevents blood clots, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin E is a
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What is a vitamin D test? Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are two forms of vitamin D that are important for nutrition: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 mainly comes from fortified foods like breakfast cereals, milk, and other dairy items. Vitamin D3 is made by
What is a vitamin B test? This test measures the amount of one or more B vitamins in your blood or urine. B vitamins are nutrients the body needs so that it can perform a variety of essential functions. These include: Maintaining normal metabolism (the process of how your body uses food and energy) Making healthy blood
What is vision screening? A vision screening, also called an eye test, is a brief exam that looks for potential vision problems and eye disorders. Vision screenings are often done by primary care providers as part of a child’s regular checkup. Sometimes screenings are given to children by school nurses. Vision screening is not used to diagnose vision
What is videonystagmography (VNG)? Videonystagmography (VNG) is a test that measures a type of involuntary eye movement called nystagmus. These movements can be slow or fast, steady or jerky. Nystagmus causes your eyes to move from side to side or up and down, or both. It happens when the brain gets conflicting messages from your eyes
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